This classic Butter Chicken paired with homemade Naan is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender marinated chicken in a rich, spiced tomato-cream sauce with soft, buttery naan bread. Whether it’s a special family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato puree (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Naan:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 2 tablespoons oil or melted butter
- 3/4 cup warm water
- Additional melted butter or ghee (for brushing)
- Fresh garlic and cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, garlic, and ginger. Mix well to make a marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Make the Butter Chicken Sauce:
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft and golden brown.
- Add the cumin, garam masala, coriander, chili powder (if using), and turmeric. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato puree and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Lower the heat and add the cream (or coconut milk) and sugar, stirring until combined. Season with salt to taste.
3. Cook the Chicken in Sauce:
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring to coat. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
4. Make the Naan:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Stir in the yogurt and oil.
- Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into an oval shape.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each naan for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and puffed.
- Brush with melted butter or ghee and optionally sprinkle with garlic and cilantro.
5. Serve:
- Serve the butter chicken with warm naan on the side. Enjoy this rich and flavorful meal!
Tips for the Best Butter Chicken and Naan
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
- Simmer the Sauce Slowly: Letting the tomato sauce simmer allows the flavors to meld and develop richness.
- Add Garlic and Cilantro to Naan: For extra flavor, brush melted butter mixed with minced garlic and sprinkle with fresh cilantro on the naan after cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Butter Chicken with Naan recipe is a delightful, restaurant-quality meal that you can make at home. The tender, marinated chicken is coated in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Paired with soft, buttery naan, it’s a combination that’s sure to become a favorite!
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe with chicken breast instead of thighs?
- Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs are recommended for their tenderness and richer flavor in butter chicken.
2. How do I make the naan without a skillet?
- If you don’t have a skillet, you can bake naan on a baking sheet in the oven at 450°F for about 5 minutes or until golden.
3. What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
- Coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative. It will slightly alter the flavor but still provides a creamy texture.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, butter chicken freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop for the best texture.
5. Is it okay to skip the sugar in the sauce?
- Yes, the sugar is optional. It helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes but can be left out if preferred.
Conclusion
This Butter Chicken with Naan recipe offers a rich, flavorful dining experience that’s easy to recreate at home. With a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, tender marinated chicken, and soft naan bread, it’s a meal that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Enjoy every bite of this classic dish!